SEER is an authoritative source of information on cancer incidence and survival in the United States. SEER currently collects and publishes cancer incidence and survival data from population-based cancer registries covering approximately 28 percent of the U.S. population.

Statistics at a GlanceShow More

At a Glance

Number of New Cases and Deaths per 100,000: The number of new cases of thyroid cancer was 14.2 per 100,000 men and women per year. The number of deaths was 0.5 per 100,000 men and women per year. These rates are age-adjusted and based on 2010-2014 cases and deaths.

Lifetime Risk of Developing Cancer: Approximately 1.2 percent of men and women will be diagnosed with thyroid cancer at some point during their lifetime, based on 2012-2014 data.

Prevalence of This Cancer: In 2014, there were an estimated 726,646 people living with thyroid cancer in the United States.

Survival StatisticsShow More

How Many People Survive 5 Years Or More after Being Diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer?

Relative survival statistics compare the survival of patients diagnosed with cancer with the survival of people in the general population who are the same age, race, and sex and who have not been diagnosed with cancer. Because survival statistics are based on large groups of people, they cannot be used to predict exactly what will happen to an individual patient. No two patients are entirely alike, and treatment and responses to treatment can vary greatly.

Percent Surviving5 Years

98.2%

Based on data from SEER 18 2007-2013. Gray figures represent those who have died from thyroid cancer. Green figures represent those who have survived 5 years or more.

Survival by Stage

Cancer stage at diagnosis, which refers to extent of a cancer in the body, determines treatment options and has a strong influence on the length of survival. In general, if the cancer is found only in the part of the body where it started it is localized (sometimes referred to as stage 1). If it has spread to a different part of the body, the stage is regional or distant.
For thyroid cancer, 67.6% are diagnosed at the local stage. The 5-year survival for localized thyroid cancer is 99.9%.

In 2017, it is estimated that there will be 56,870 new cases of thyroid cancer and an estimated 2,010 people will die of this disease.

Who Gets This Cancer?

Thyroid cancer is more common in women than men and among those with a family history of thyroid disease. The number of new cases of thyroid cancer was 14.2 per 100,000 men and women per year based on 2010-2014 cases.

Percent of New Cases by Age Group: Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer is most frequently diagnosed among people aged 45-54.

Median AgeAt Diagnosis

51

SEER 18 2010-2014, All Races, Both Sexes

Number of New Cases per 100,000 Persons by Race/Ethnicity & Sex: Thyroid Cancer

All Races

White

Black

Asian /Pacific Islander

American Indian /Alaska Native

Hispanic

Non-Hispanic

SEER 18 2010-2014, Age-Adjusted

Who Dies From This Cancer?

For thyroid cancer, death rates increase with age. The number of deaths was 0.5 per 100,000 men and women per year based on 2010-2014 deaths.

Percent of Deaths by Age Group: Thyroid Cancer

The percent of thyroid cancer deaths is highest among people aged 75-84.

Median AgeAt Death

73

U.S. 2010-2014, All Races, Both Sexes

Number of Deaths per 100,000 Persons by Race/Ethnicity & Sex: Thyroid Cancer

All Races

White

Black

Asian /Pacific Islander

Not Shown, <16 casesAmerican Indian /Alaska Native

Hispanic

Non-Hispanic

U.S. 2010-2014, Age-Adjusted

Trends in RatesShow More

Changes Over Time

Keeping track of the number of new cases, deaths, and survival over time (trends) can help scientists understand whether progress is being made and where additional research is needed to address challenges, such as improving screening or finding better treatments.

Using statistical models for analysis, rates for new thyroid cancer cases have been rising on average 3.8% each year over the last 10 years. Death rates have been rising on average 0.7% each year over 2005-2014. 5-year survival trends are shown below the figure.

These stat facts focus on population statistics that are based on the US population. Because these statistics are based on large groups of people, they cannot be used to predict exactly what will happen to an individual patient. To see tailored statistics, browse the SEER Cancer Statistics Review. To see statistics for a specific state, go to the State Cancer Profiles.

The statistics presented in these stat facts are based on the most recent data available, most of which can be found in the SEER Cancer Statistics Review. In some cases, different year spans may be used. Estimates for the current year are based on past data.

Cancer is a complex topic. There is a wide range of information available. These stat facts do not address causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, follow-up care, or decision making, although links are provided to information in many of these areas.